Six Nations representative Italy will aim to continue their winning run over Russia in Nelson on Tuesday.

Russia edge the meetings between the two sides with nine wins to Italy's seven with a 12-12 draw back in 1981 the only time the pair have tied. However, Italy have won their recent five clashes with Russia most notably recording their biggest win in their last encounter. Italy overcame Russia 67-7 back in 2006 in Moscow running in nine tries in the process in their 2007 World Cup qualifier.

Russia's last win came in 1989 when they prevailed 15-12 in Moscow in the FIRA Championship clash. And Russia also took the inaugural clash between the two sides winning 11-9 in Rome in November 1978.

The pair have never met in the world Cup though the Azzurri have racked up the most points in matches between the two sides with Italy standing on 316 compared to Russia's 209.